Since the Dirty Thirty 50k in the beginning of June, I switched gears from trail running to full triathlon mode My workout life became swimming, biking and running. I returned to the pool full of its pubic hair, used band aids and senior aerobics (hey, pussy posse! Remember me?). I rejoined the cycling world putting in miles upon miles every weekend, usually followed by very hot runs that turned into death marches. I put in my time and had no clue how it would all shake out.
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| I look happy, but I had just made my third trip to the porto potty and was fearing how my colon would hold up |
Race morning was too early, as most race mornings are. I spent lots of time literally choking down my calories because I cannot eat that early. I gagged on my jelly and butter sandwich. Plus, I had spent the entire day before volunteering for race set up, which involved lots of heavy lifting and walking and time in the baking sun. This was not a smart idea.
It was cold at the Boulder Reservoir. 46 degrees to be exact. The very last thing on the planet I wanted to do was get in the water and swim 1.2 miles. I was literally shivering as we waited on the beach in my sleeveless wet suit. I hate being cold more than I hate almost anything except vomit. Vomit wins.
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| This is my friend Jeanne. We are the same age and very well matched for paces on the bike and run My goal is to beat Jeanne. |
The swim went not that well. By the first buoy I was gasping from the cold and could not catch my breath. I told myself to get my shit together, to take deep breaths. I did the breast stroke for a second and got on my back to catch my breath. I thought, "Just go because the sooner you get this done the sooner you will be warm." One buoy at a time. Made the turn around and headed back to the shore.
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| Here I go with my cone head |
Swim: 1.2 miles 40 minutes
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| This is how you get beach waves in your hair |
I started the bike and waited about 30 minutes before I started eating. Then I ate every hour. 3 gels, one Honey Stinger waffle with peanut butter, lots of water and some Nuun. Also, 4 salt stick tablets, which I taped to my bike so I wouldn't forget. The bike for me is a dance of holding back to save my legs for the run and pushing enough so that I feel competitive. The route was two 28 mile loops. I felt strong. But, the whole time I dreaded the fucking run. It was hot, almost 90 degrees. I was already tired and how exactly was I going to squeeze out a half marathon? But I knew I would.
Bike 56 miles 3:08
I swapped out my biking shoes for running shoes and my race helmet for a visor, then hit the road. To me, one of the most despicable feelings in the world is when you get off the bike after a few hours and attempt to run. Your legs are made of jello and your mind is mental mush.
I knew the run would be a grind to be taken one mile at a time. Thankfully, there were aid stations about every mile. I had given up eating at this point, but when I approached aid I'd yell "ice, water, coke!" I'd dump the ice in my (non existent) cleavage, pour the water on my my head and drink the coke. Seemed to be a good combo. I slogged through those miles mentally ticking each one off as I went.
Finally - the finish line chute and Ken are in sight!
Run 13.1 miles: 2:17
It felt good to sit down. I tried a beer, but no go.
Then I was completely surprised to be...
1st in age group with a total time of 6:13.
Getting up on the podium block was the toughest feat of the day.
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| That is some serious sweat on my ass |
I truly forgot how tough longer distance triathlons are. Now...more training for the running races I have in my future:
- Bourbon Chase Relay in Kentucky: October 17
- A brand new trail 50k in __________ Stay tuned for where this will be.
Hint:
- It's at the end of November
- It's not in this country, or on this continent
- It's hot as hell
- The country is bordered by three different countries
- Its coast is on one gulf and one sea
Can you guess??? If you do I'll send you some gum. Really, I will. I just got a bunch of thirst quenching gum for while you run.
Thanks for reading, friends!
SUAR